IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 and University of Edinburgh, Scotland (April 24, 2026)

The IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 offer an unparalleled opportunity for early career researchers to conduct independent scholarship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH). Located in the heart of Edinburgh, a city synonymous with the Scottish Enlightenment, the Institute provides a sanctuary for uninterrupted thinking, reading, and writing. Consequently, fellows benefit from a rich intellectual heritage while contributing to a global alumni community that spans over 65 countries.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027
Organizing Institution	University of Edinburgh (IASH)
Duration	3 to 10 months
Financial Support	Bursary up to £20,000
Application Deadline	24 April 2026 (17:00 GMT)
Decision Date	July 2026

Program Overview

The IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 are designed to support researchers in the crucial years following their PhD, providing the resources necessary to transform a dissertation into a monograph or to launch a significant new project. Because IASH is an independent institute within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, it encourages interdisciplinary study and provides a platform for testing innovative ideas in a supportive, collegial environment.

Targeted Fellowship Opportunities

In addition to the general pool, IASH offers specialized fellowships for specific disciplines:

• Digital Scholarship: For research in digital arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• GENDER.ED Fellowship: Focused on gender and sexualities studies.
• RACE.ED Stuart Hall Foundation Fellowship: For research engaging with the work of Stuart Hall.
• Alwaleed Fellowship: For studies in contemporary Islam and Muslim culture.
• Heritage Collections: For researchers using the University’s special archives or National Museums Scotland.

Eligibility Criteria

Competition for the IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 is intense, and applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Status: Must have been awarded a PhD at the time of application, typically between 2023 and 2026.
• Career Stage: Applicants must not hold a permanent university position or have held a previous IASH fellowship.
• Residency: Fellows must make the Institute their primary place of work and be in residence in Edinburgh for the duration of the stay.
• Collaboration: Candidates are required to make contact with researchers at the University of Edinburgh before applying and provide evidence of this contact.

Fellowship Benefits

The IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 experience is designed to be both productive and socially engaging:

• Financial Contribution: A bursary of up to £20,000, which can supplement existing funding or contribute toward living expenses.
• Dedicated Resources: Private office space, University email, and full library access.
• Mentorship: Assignment of a University mentor within a relevant field of research.
• Community Building: Weekly Fellows’ Lunches and a Work-in-Progress seminar series.

Application Procedure

To apply for the IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027, candidates must submit a formal application through the IASH portal by the April deadline. The following are required:

1. Research Proposal: Detailing the quality and timeliness of the project.
2. References: A minimum of two (maximum three) confidential references sent directly to iash@ed.ac.uk. One must certify the successful PhD viva.
3. Evidence of Contact: Documentation of communication with Edinburgh-based researchers.

Strategic Statistics and Community Impact

Since its inception in 1970, IASH has hosted over 1,250 Fellows. The Institute typically maintains up to 30 researchers in residence at any given time, ensuring a manageable yet diverse community. The global reach is significant, with alumni hailing from more than 65 countries, fostering career-long international connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum bursary amount for the 2026-2027 cycle?

The maximum bursary offered is £20,000, intended for visits lasting between three and ten months.

Is teaching required as part of the fellowship?

No regular teaching is required. However, fellows may supplement their bursary with concurrent teaching (up to 0.4 FTE) if they arrange it individually.

Can I apply if I haven’t officially graduated yet?

Yes, as long as you have been awarded your doctorate and can produce a letter of completion or eligibility to graduate at the time of application.

When will the decisions for the IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 be communicated?

Successful applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision in July 2026.

Does IASH provide accommodation?

The Institute does not provide housing, but it offers resources and links to help fellows find suitable accommodation in Edinburgh.